Recently, local food delivery service Deliveroo launched delivery bags meant to contain halal meals for their Muslim customers. Surprisingly, this have become an issue of debate on forums like EDMW where there are both positive and skeptical views towards the initiative.

A decision made in response to requests from Muslim customers and halal-certified restaurants, the bags will be handed out progressively to its 6,000-strong fleet of riders across the next couple of months.

Of course, the introduction of this segregation plays a part in Deliveroo’s business too. In a media statement, the food delivery service expects to increase the number of both halal-certified restaurant partners (now numbering close to 100) and Muslim users after the introduction of halal-only delivery bags.

Summary of the Issue

The decision had been made in response to requests from Muslim customers and halal-certified restaurants and the bags will be handed out progressively to its 6,000-strong fleet of riders across the next couple of months.

Riders will be instructed to use these bags for food and drinks acquired from halal-certified restaurants.

This decision is also due to Deliveroo planning to increase the number of both halal-certified restaurant partners (now numbering close to 100) and Muslim users after the introduction of halal-only delivery bags.

However, many are seemingly disapproving towards this move and here’s what they think:

What are netizens saying?

Of course, there are those who approve of this move and think that it is a good step towards being more inclusive and sensitive to the diverse racial community in Singapore.

Some mentioned that this could probably escalate further, such as the need for halal riders or bikes in the future. Of course, it can be assumed that such comments are rhetorical and more likely made to diss the whole situation.

Others were more cynical, stating that if Muslim needs are to be considered, then other dietary constraints should also be taken into account. They cited other religious, racial and social groups which may have certain dietary requirements as well, such as Buddhists and vegetarians.

The most extreme of views felt that Muslims were playing the “victim card” and that it was a rather unnecessary initiative to take given that the food is already being packed and isolated in plastic bags or containers regardless of whether the rider’s bag had been used for halal or non-halal foods.

Actually, this may well be a huge fuss over nothing. After all, it is simply a small initiative by Deliveroo to ensure that some of their clients get peace of mind when eating food delivered under their company. If one is not Muslim, the initiative also doesn’t warrant much negativity as it does not really affect others directly.

Towards the negative comments, some defended Deliveroo’s decision as well. Some agreed that it was merely a business decision in line with Deliveroo’s plans to expand into the halal market.

Another netizen who is familiar with food delivery services also remarked that this is not a new initiative as many other other services also have such a practice already in place.